Getting an assessment
While the processes have been modified with regard to getting an assessment for continuing healthcare, the criteria hasn’t changed. Under the NHS Continuing Healthcare Framework, Care Homes are obligated to submit a checklist for an initial assessment. It is important that even with restrictions, checklists are being instigated and submitted and where there is a deterioration in your loved one’s condition, a fast track assessment is carried out.
Even though assessments for continuing healthcare are not currently being carried out, it is still imperative to ensure the checklist is lodged with the Clinical Commissioning Group as ultimately, even if an assessment doesn’t take place for a further six months, if your loved one is found eligible, the funding will be backdated to the 29th day after the checklist was submitted.
The importance of care records
With assessments currently being delayed, care records are of the upmost importance in understanding someone’s care needs. The quality of those records can affect whether someone is found eligible or not for continuing healthcare funding which could mean the difference in thousands of pounds per week in care fees.
With restrictions currently in place, it is difficult to visit a loved one, however if you are able to see them from a social distance, it is a good idea to keep your own diary of visits and how your loved one is. Notes can then be compared with the care provider to ensure that all of your loved one’s individual needs are being met. With huge pressures on care homes during the pandemic, it may be that the care notes are of a poorer quality and therefore it is essential you keep your own records as well if possible.
Good quality, accurate care records fulfil a range of purposes including:
- Helping to ensure service users are safe
- Demonstrating that services are meeting their legal requirements
- Providing evidence of an individual’s care needs and how those needs are met
Many people are unaware of the information a care provider must record about them or their loved one until they participate in an NHS continuing healthcare assessment and the question of care funding raises its head.
How we can help…
If you have any queries regarding a continuing healthcare assessment, a checklist or indeed a fast-track assessment, please call Debbie Anderson for a free initial telephone consultation on 01926 354704 or email: DebbieA@moore-tibbits.co.uk
